US says Israel accepts temporary Gaza ceasefire proposal

The United States has announced that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza, even as its military operations continue in the conflict-ridden territory. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed during a press briefing that U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, along with President Donald Trump, submitted the ceasefire proposal to Hamas. Leavitt stated that Israel had endorsed and supported the plan. 

However, she declined to provide additional details, citing ongoing negotiations. According to an Israeli official and a U.S. source familiar with the matter, the proposal includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities, the release of 10 living hostages, and the repatriation of the remains of 18 deceased hostages. While the



Israeli government has not officially commented, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly expressed his acceptance of Witkoff’s plan. On the other hand, Hamas has rejected the latest U.S.-led proposal, stating that it did not satisfy core demands, including an end to the war, and said it would respond in due course.

Israel had earlier imposed a total blockade on Gaza and resumed its military offensive against Hamas on March 18, following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt. Israeli authorities said the renewed offensive was aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas to release the 58 hostages it is still believed to be holding, including at least 20 thought to be alive.